Chandigarh: A fresh spell of monsoon rain is expected to impact large parts of Punjab on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing weather alerts for several districts. While showers have brought temporary relief from the recent heat, authorities have cautioned residents about localized heavy rainfall, particularly in areas adjoining Himachal Pradesh.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast rainfall across nearly 15 districts, with Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar placed under a yellow alert due to the possibility of intense showers. Light to moderate rain is also likely in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Barnala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
Chandigarh received continuous rainfall overnight, leaving roads wet and temperatures noticeably lower on Saturday morning. Similar weather conditions were reported from adjoining Mohali and Panchkula.
Amid the rainy conditions, a tragic incident was reported from the Ghaggar River near Bhankharpur, where three friends from Chandigarh had reportedly gone fishing. According to police, two of them were swept away after entering the swollen river, while the third managed to escape by holding onto vegetation along the riverbank.
Emergency teams and local police launched a search operation after being alerted by family members. However, by Saturday evening, the two missing men had not been traced. Authorities have once again urged people to stay away from rivers, seasonal streams and other water bodies during the monsoon, warning that water levels can rise rapidly without prior notice.
The recent rainfall has also influenced electricity consumption across Punjab. Officials said power demand declined compared to previous days as cooler weather reduced dependence on air-conditioning and other cooling appliances. The state continued to meet demand through a combination of its own generation and electricity sourced from the national grid.
Weather experts believe the current rainy phase will gradually weaken after July 12. As the monsoon trough shifts towards the Himalayan foothills and the associated low-pressure system loses strength, rainfall is expected to become less widespread across the state.
Meteorologists have warned that although rainfall may reduce in the coming days, humidity levels are likely to increase. With fewer showers and persistent moisture in the atmosphere, residents may experience warm and uncomfortable conditions despite the absence of intense heat.
Officials have advised people to remain updated with weather bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and exercise caution near flood-prone areas as the monsoon continues to influence weather conditions across Punjab.
